IU Columbus Campus Climate Survey Results

IU Columbus Campus Climate Survey results

All students on the IU Columbus campus were invited in March 2016 to complete a climate survey on sexual misconduct, assault, and related issues.

Survey results were consistent with those from similar studies at other universities. They confirm the vital importance the IU community's continuing commitment to combating these serious issues, which affect a significant number of students—both before and while they are attending college.

The information gathered will help us achieve our goal of eliminating sexual violence from our campus community.

Results and data

Complete data and a summary of key findings can be found in the full report. As with any voluntary study, results reflect only the responses of survey participants. Response bias is expected, given the sensitive nature of the topic. Respondents who completed at least 50% of the survey, were age 18 or older, and identify as male or female are included. While the data is not a complete representation of the experiences of all undergraduate and graduate students at IU Columbus, it is important to our understanding of experiences and perceptions on campus. Because there were fewer than 10 graduate men and women participants, their responses are not included in this report.

Key findings

282students

19%of student population

96%undergrads

4%grad students

73%women

27%men

Key findings

  • Instances of sexual misconduct prior to coming to IU Columbus exceeds, in every case, those experienced since coming to IU Columbus.

  • 4% of undergraduate women reported experiencing attempted or completed nonconsensual sexual penetration since coming to IU Columbus. This tracks much lower than the most-cited study, which indicates that 1 in 5 women experience attempted or completed rape during their collegiate experience (Fisher et al., 2000).

  • 70% of undergraduate women reported that the person who committed the nonconsensual sexual touching was not affiliated with the university.

  • More than 90% percent of undergraduates reported feeling safe on the IU Columbus campus, as well as in the area surrounding campus.

  • Undergraduates reported high rates of feeling valued in the classroom and learning environment, as well as feeling that IU Columbus faculty, staff, and administrators are genuinely concerned about their welfare.

  • The vast majority of undergraduates felt that the university would take a report of sexual assault or other sexual violence seriously, and that the university would likely take corrective action against an offender found responsible.

  • Just over half of undergraduate men and women reported knowing where to get immediate help if they or a friend experienced some form of sexual misconduct. This suggests a need to increase student awareness of resources available on campus and in the community.

  • Undergraduate men reported the highest rates of talking to a romantic/sexual partner about issues of consent (85%); 56% of women reported talking to a partner about consent. The majority of participants also reported talking to friends about the issues of consent.

  • 77% of undergraduate men and 91% of women agreed that the more alcohol a person has consumed, the less able they are to consent to sexual activity.

  • Only 4% of undergraduate men and 2% of women reported thinking that sexual misconduct is a problem at the IU Columbus campus. At 49%, undergraduate men reported the highest rates of thinking they can do something about sexual misconduct.

  • 97% of undergraduates reported that they had not observed a situation that they believe was, or could have led to, a sexual assault since becoming a student at IU Columbus.

  • Undergraduate men reported the highest rates of confidence in expressing discomfort if someone says that a rape victim is to blame for being raped, as well as expressing discomfort when someone makes a joke of a sexual nature about another person or their body.